Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
    • Playa Blanca
Length
150 hours
Training Type
Classroom

Program Details

Teaching Practicum
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Certifications
TEFL TESOL
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
1495
Price Details
Airport pick-up
Program and safety orientation
Walking tour
Official TEFL Certificate
Letter of recommendation
Lifetime job-finding assistance
Tandem Conversation Program
Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
Salsa dance classes
Cooking classes
Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
Institute is open 7 days/week
Emergency contact number 24/7
Lifetime Job Finding Assistance
What's Included
Activities Airport Transfers Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Feb 12, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
55 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Become a certified English teacher by earning a TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel on the beach in Manuel Antonio. TEFL Certification is your passport to living and working as English teacher anywhere else in the world!

The 4-week/150-hour certification program includes more than 15 hours of practical English teaching and observation of experienced teachers.

The TEFL Program consists of 14 modules:
1. Approaches to Learning & Teaching
2. Critical ESL Techniques
3. Class Management
4. Lesson Planning
5. English Grammar Review 1
6. English Grammar Review 2
7. Teaching Grammar
8. Teaching Vocabulary
9. Teaching English with Games
10. Teaching Speaking & Writing
11. Teaching Listening & Reading
12. Assessing Learners
13. Introduction to International English Exams
14. Practical Teaching

Maximo Nivel is internationally accredited and the Maximo Nivel TEFL Certificate is accepted by institutes, language schools, and universities around the world.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

Impact 🌎

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

Program Highlights

  • Accredited certification accepted worldwide
  • 15 hours of practical teaching and observation
  • Teach real ESL classes
  • Guaranteed Job Placement
  • Lifetime job-finding assistance

Program Reviews

4.95 Rating
based on 256 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.92%
  • 4 rating 5.08%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.9
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.25
  • Facilities 4.3
  • Safety 4.7
  • Instruction 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Value 4.8
  • Academic Rigor 4.6
  • Job Assistance 4.8
Showing 249 - 256 of 256 reviews
Default avatar
Jamie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommended

The TEFL Certification course with Maximo Nivel is an amazing experience that opens doors for English teachers across the globe. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is a great place to get certified. The staff there was helpful from the first day to the last. They freely provide life long career support. My TEFL Trainer Karen Wilke is an amazing teacher and person. She went above and beyond in preparing our class to become fully equipped English teachers. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to explore new cultures and work with wonderful people all over the world.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe extend the program a couple weeks because the course load was very heavy.
43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kate
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience in Manuel Antonio!

I'm so happy I chose this program. It was all I hoped for and more. Not only did I learn a ton, but I had a blast doing it. The staff were also great and more than willing to help set up trips and excursions outside of school. Their helpfulness as well as being a great program in a great country is what made this the experience of a lifetime!

43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zoie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo in Manuel Antonio is WORTH IT

I had no idea of what to expect from my TEFL course. What I got was an AMAZING teacher. She was always available to help look over my work, make sure my lesson plans were well crafted, or just to talk about teaching and life in general. I learned so much from her in 4 weeks; it was incredible. I have no background in teaching, but after the course I felt like I was equipped to not only teach, but be a good teacher. The staff and Maximo are so great. They are incredibly helpful with anything from printing, to telling you where to eat and where the best beaches are. I felt like I was a part of a family when I was at Maximo! Finding a job can be difficult; I spent a lot of nights scouring Craigslist. But my TEFL instructor was always there for help. She would send us links to jobs, help us prepare our CV's and pretty much anything else you could imagine. The course work is tough, you devote a lot of time to reading, writing and making lesson plans. But I never felt like the work was too much, or not worth it. Every assignment had a purpose and helped me to become a great teacher!

What would you improve about this program?
We had some time off in the first two weeks, which made me more stressed in the final weeks. I think it should be five days a week from the get go. I didn't see the point in having days off when there was so much to cover.
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
MarioJungleTom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo is the BEST

I did TEFL in Costa Rica with Maximo and I can honestly say that it was the best experience I've ever had. I had never really traveled before going to Costa Rica and I wasn't even that excited about becoming TEFL certified, I was just looking for something to do for the summer. But Maximo is so much more than "something to do for the summer," it is an amazing place to learn and make friends and grow as a person. The TEFL program is fantastic, it's definitely a lot of work but totally worth it because I feel incredibly prepared to teach English anywhere now! The staff in Costa Rica is fantastic, they are some of the nicest, most helpful and supportive people I've ever met and were there for me whenever I needed anything, from a pen to a taxi to life advice. The facilities are beautiful, so much nicer than I would have expected in Costa Rica and I definitely felt very safe. I stayed in an apartment during TEFL and a homestay when I decided to stay longer (didn't want to leave! You won't either!) and both were incredible. Whenever there was the slightest problem (for example, I'm allergic to dogs and my host family had a dog) Maximo took care of it almost immediately and always checked in to make sure things were going well. Basically, I cannot say enough good things about Maximo and I HIGHLY recommend TEFL and any other Maximo program to everyone in the world!!

What would you improve about this program?
The only issue I had with Maximo was that prior to coming, I didn't feel totally informed/prepared and I would have felt more comfortable with more information prior to landing in San Jose. But as soon as I arrived at Maximo everything was great!
55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
teach4change
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximum Experience at Maximo

I know my title sounds a bit silly but its really very true. Before I came to Maximo, I taught English in the States. So I really did have high expectations in learning how to teach TEFL. I found that I was challenged and learned a lot of information. My expectations were met at the maximum level. I believe anyone, whether they have teaching experience or have never stepped foot in the classroom as its leader, would gain knowledge and leave being an awesome or better teacher.

My trainers were wonderful. They provided effective feedback on all of my lessons in this short time span. They gave me valuable input and pointers for themed lessons such as in listening, speaking, reading, and writing lessons. I was always learning something new. Although the course is short, it is very intense. Luckily, my classmates were all supportive and I learned a lot from them as well.

What would you improve about this program?
This is not a con. Maximo encourages self-motivation and being proactive. They provided all the necessary tools to get a job after the course such as in job postings, where to find a job and how to go about getting an offer. Although they provided assistance, its important to know that a job might not just fall into your lap, so be proactive! I was able to find employment within a week in a half and I'm very thankful for their assistance.
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
puravidatica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Nivel is an awesome place!!

I went to Maximo Nivel to get my TEFL certification in Sept-Oct 2012 because I wanted an opportunity to travel more. When I first arrived at Maximo Nivel I was greeted like an old friend and the staff made me feel at home. They are extremely supportive and they are willing to help out anyway they can. Any question or concerned that I had, I knew the staff would help me, including my TEFL teacher. I highly recommend the Maximo Nivel program to anyone who wants to travel to Costa Rica!

55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mbotsford
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good place to teach English and get TEFL certified

I went through Maximo Nivel's TEFL certification program from July-August 2012. The instructor was very knowledgeable, and the class was both challenging and highly informative. I felt very prepared to teach English after the course, and got hired by the institute when I completed my training. So far I have been teaching English at Maximo Nivel for a little over a month, and I love it. The clients are almost all adults and are highly dedicated for the most part. The staff is very helpful for English teachers, offering support and additional materials to supplement the provided curriculum and teaching materials. The other teachers are also very helpful and willing to give help and advice whenever asked. The facility is very clean and safe, and it provides a terrific environment for learning and teaching. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone who wants a secure place to teach English with dedicated clients, small class sizes, and consistent work.

55 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
charlottekate1
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Nivel TEFL Course!

I participated in the Maximo Nivel TEFL/TESOL Certification course in Costa Rica from Jun-Jul 2011 and had a great experience! Not only was the staff available 24/7 and very supportive, the course encouraged fellow classmates to be supportive of each other, as well. We were thoroughly trained in classroom management skills, lesson planning, critical ESL techniques, and teaching grammar, vocabulary, etc. I also felt that I was challenged to think creatively and think of ways to keep the class lively and positive. The course concluded with one week of 'practical teaching' where we took on our own live class for 60 minutes a day. I found the course very intense and challenging in the sense that I pushed myself to become a better teacher and improve my skills. I came away from the course feeling a lot more confident about myself and my ability to handle a classroom. Aside from the course itself, I met some amazing people who either stayed in Costa Rica to find jobs like I did, or used their brand new certification to head off to another foreign country and teach. I highly recommend this course!

49 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Apart from what the others have already suggested, I would also advise that any travel you intend on doing, you are prepared to leave until you've finished or to start beforehand. Manuel Antonio is a beautiful place, and you will certainly have beach time. But don't be fooled! The classes are intensive and require outside-the-classroom prep time. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks so much for your reply. I'd love if you could connect me with them! I'm going to be studying at Maximo in January 2017 and am very keen to teach :)

I would definitely recommend a laptop. You'll need it to work on assignments and lesson plans out of class. The building can get pretty hot, so being able to relocate to cooler locations is a must. Regarding clothes, I wore decent shorts and collared shirts for the classes. For interviews, I would recommend something more business casual.

The cost of the program varies by location and what type of stay you prefer (apartment, hostel, or homestay). I have added a link to the estimated program costs below that you may find helpful. In general, the cost will be somewhere between $2000-$2500, not including your flight. http://www.maximonivel.com/tefl-tesol/prices/